What Is the Fruit on a Cactus Called?

By Priya Sharma · January 24, 2026

The fruit of a cactus is commonly known as cactus fruit, with the most well-known types being prickly pear (from Opuntia species) and dragon fruit (from Hylocereus species). These fruits are edible, nutritious, and grow on certain cacti after flowering.

What Is Cactus Fruit Called?

Cactus fruits go by several names depending on the species. The two most widely recognized varieties are:

Prickly Pear – The fruit of Opuntia cacti, also called tuna in Spanish-speaking regions.
Dragon Fruit – Also known as pitaya, produced by climbing Hylocereus and Selenicereus cacti.

Both are commercially cultivated and consumed globally for their flavor, health benefits, and vibrant appearance.

Types of Edible Cactus Fruits

Prickly Pear (Opuntia spp.)

Prickly pear develops from flat-padded cacti common in arid regions of the Americas. The fruit ranges in color from green to deep red and has a sweet, melon-like taste.

Harvested in late summer to early fall.
Must be carefully handled due to tiny spines (glochids).
Commonly used in juices, jams, and desserts.

Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus spp.)

Different from prickly pear, dragon fruit grows on vining cacti native to Central America but now farmed extensively in Southeast Asia.

Three main types: white-fleshed, red-fleshed, and yellow-skinned.
Mildly sweet with kiwi-like seeds.
Fruit appears after night-blooming flowers.

Nutritional Benefits of Cactus Fruits

Both prickly pear and dragon fruit offer significant nutritional value. They are low in calories and rich in antioxidants, fiber, and essential vitamins.

Nutrient (per 100g)	Prickly Pear	Dragon Fruit (White)
Calories	41 kcal	50 kcal
Carbohydrates	9.6 g	11.7 g
Fiber	3.6 g	3.0 g
Vitamin C	14 mg	9 mg
Calcium	56 mg	8.5 mg
Antioxidants (mg/g)	1.2	0.8

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that both fruits are excellent sources of dietary fiber and antioxidants, with prickly pear offering higher calcium and antioxidant content. Dragon fruit contains slightly more carbohydrates but remains a low-calorie functional food.

How to Harvest and Eat Cactus Fruit Safely

Handling cactus fruit requires care due to spines or glochids, especially in prickly pear.

Use tongs or thick gloves when harvesting.
Rinse under water while scrubbing gently with a brush.
Peel the skin before eating to avoid irritation.
Consume fresh, juiced, or processed into syrups and candies.

Dragon fruit is easier to handle, with no external spines; simply cut in half and scoop out the flesh.

Common Questions About Cactus Fruit

What is the scientific name for prickly pear fruit?

The fruit comes from Opuntia ficus-indica, the most commonly cultivated species of prickly pear cactus. It's also referred to as tuna in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries.

Is cactus fruit good for you?

Yes, cactus fruit is highly nutritious. It’s rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, and antioxidants like betalains and polyphenols, which help reduce inflammation and support heart health.

Can you eat cactus fruit raw?

Absolutely. Both prickly pear and dragon fruit are typically eaten raw after peeling. Ensure all spines are removed from prickly pear to prevent skin irritation.

When does cactus fruit ripen?

Prickly pear ripens between August and October in North America. Dragon fruit season varies by climate but generally occurs from June to November, with multiple harvests per year in tropical regions.

Where can I buy cactus fruit?

You can find prickly pear at farmers' markets in arid U.S. states like Arizona and California, especially during peak season. Dragon fruit is available year-round in most supermarkets and grocery chains due to imports from Vietnam, Thailand, and Colombia.